Twelve-month healing rates after endodontic therapy with foraminal cleaning using 2% chlorhexidine in mandibular molars diagnosed with apical periodontitis: a prospective clinical study.

The success of endodontic treatment depends on the effective disinfection of the root canal system.The literature describes many treatment protocols.

Aim: The purpose of this prospective in vivo study was to evaluate the healing status observed after endodontic treatment performed with foraminal cleaning in mandibular molars with apical periodontitis.

Materials and method: Fifty mandibular molars were selected and instrumented with ProDesign Logic files. First, mechanized patency was performed with a 25/0.01 instrument; if it was easily achieved, a larger diameter instrument was chosen (30/0.01, 35/0.01, or 40/0.01) that best matched the apical foramen. Then, a respective shaping file corresponding to the patency file was selected for instrumentation. Irrigation was carried out with saline solution and 2% chlorhexidine gel. A 17% EDTA solution was used for the final irrigation and agitated with the EasyClean system. A device was used to standardize the initial, final, and subsequent digital radiographic examinations for the follow-up. A 3-level scoring system was used for evaluation, in which score 1 indicated complete lesion healing, score 2 incomplete healing, and score 3 no healing.

Results: There was no significant difference between the frequencies of scores 1 and 2 assigned at the two assessment time points (p > 0.05). Complete healing (score 1) was observed in 58%, incomplete healing (score 2) in 42%, and no healing (score 3) in 0% of cases.

Conclusion: The endodontic preparation protocol followed by foraminal cleaning favored the healing process in teeth with apical periodontitis.